Building Nations - Banning Books

When nations break free from colonial rule or undergo major changes, they have internal political conflicts. Building a new nation involves shaping a national identity, establishing political systems, and negotiating societal norms and values. In this stressful environment, censorship and book banning can be used as tools to control the narrative and consolidate power.

Newly-formed nations struggle with creating a unified national identity, often promoting certain narratives while suppressing others. After India’s partition in 1947, books that challenged the new national identity or heightened religious tensions were frequently censored. Stanley Wolpert’s “Nine Hours to Rama,” which controversially portrayed Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, was one such banned book.

In different parts of the world, ideological conflicts led to strict censorship laws. Communist regimes like the Soviet Union and China, which emerged in the 20th century, widely banned books. Works opposing state ideology, promoting Western values, or criticizing the regime were frequently forbidden. Notable examples include George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and “1984,” both viewed as critiques of totalitarianism.

Similarly, during the Cold War, ideological conflicts went beyond physical borders and influenced global literary censorship. Each side aimed to control the narrative, resulting in banned books that were deemed to promote the adversary’s ideology. Boris Pasternak’s novel “Doctor Zhivago” was banned in the Soviet Union due to its perceived anti-Soviet sentiments.

However, many authors found creative ways to express dissenting ideas despite censorship. Some used allegories or coded language, while others published their works underground or abroad. The circulation of these banned books played a crucial role in fostering resistance movements and challenging state-controlled narratives.